Flaky Piecrust

This recipe and technique for making pie crusts have stood the test of time, consistently delivering flaky and flavorful results. Although it may seem basic, this pie crust is a star in its own right, enhancing the overall enjoyment of any filling you choose. Whether you’re making a sweet or savory pie, this simple recipe will guide you through creating a pie crust that is both tender and delicious. By following these instructions and variations, you’ll be on your way to mastering the art of making perfect pie crusts.

MAKES: Enough for an 8- to 10-inch single-crust pie

TIME: 20 minutes, plus time to rest

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into about 8 pieces
• 3 tablespoons ice water, plus more if necessary

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar in a food processor. Pulse the mixture once or twice to blend the ingredients.
2. Add the cold butter pieces to the food processor and turn it on. Process the mixture until the butter and flour are well blended, resembling cornmeal. This usually takes about 10 seconds.
3. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add the ice water. Use your hands to mix the ingredients together until they form a dough. Add an additional tablespoon or two of ice water if necessary. Be cautious not to add too much water; if the dough becomes too wet, add a little more flour to balance it out. Form the dough into a ball shape.
4. Wrap the dough ball in plastic wrap and freeze it for 10 minutes or refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the butter in the dough to firm up, making it easier to work with.
5. Sprinkle a clean countertop with flour and place the chilled dough on it. Sprinkle some flour on top of the dough as well. Roll the dough out with light pressure, starting from the center and working your way out. If the dough feels hard, let it rest for a few minutes. If it becomes sticky, add a little more flour. Rotate and turn the dough as needed, using ragged edges to repair any tears. Continue rolling until the dough is about 2 inches larger in diameter than your pie plate.
6. To transfer the dough to the pie plate, drape it over a rolling pin and carefully lift and place it into the plate. Press the dough firmly into the plate all over. Refrigerate the crust for about an hour before filling. If you’re short on time, you can freeze it for approximately 30 minutes.
7. Trim the excess dough to about 1/2 inch all around the edge of the pie plate. Tuck the trimmed edges under itself, creating a neat edge around the pie. Decorate the edges using a fork or your fingers. Freeze the dough for an additional 10 minutes or refrigerate it for 30 minutes before proceeding with your recipe.
8. When you’re ready to bake, either fill the pie crust or prick it all over with a fork for prebaking.

VARIATIONS:

• Savory Piecrust: Simply omit the sugar from the recipe to create a pie crust perfect for savory quiches, tarts, and similar dishes.

• Wheat Piecrust: For a nuttier flavor and a deeper, golden brown color, substitute 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour for 1/2 cup of the all-purpose flour. You may need to add a bit more ice water to achieve the desired consistency.

• Nut Piecrust: Create a rich and delicious crust by substituting 1/4 cup of finely chopped or ground nuts (such as macadamias or pine nuts) for 1/4 cup of the all-purpose flour. Pulse the mixture a few extra times in the food processor before adding the butter.

• Generous Pie Shell for a 10-Inch or Larger Pie or a Deep-Dish Pie: Increase the amount of flour to 1 1/2 cups, salt to 3/4 teaspoon, sugar to 1 1/2 teaspoons, butter to 10 tablespoons, and water to 1/4 cup. Adjust the ingredients accordingly to accommodate larger pie or deep-dish pie needs.

With this reliable and versatile pie crust recipe, you’ll have the foundation for creating delectable pies that are both visually appealing and incredibly tasty. Whether you’re a seasoned pie maker or a beginner, this recipe will guide you towards success. Enjoy the flaky, flavorful results that come from mastering the art of making the perfect pie crust!